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The release of a new iPhone each year is a momentous occasion in the mobile industry. People rush out in droves to buy the device, and inspect every square inch in search of defects. There’s always something to worry about; be it a scratched bezel, weak antenna, or yellowed screen. This time Apple has been dogged by the claim that the iPhone 5 camera produces shots that often have an ugly purple glare. Now we’ve finally got the whole story right from the source, and it’s like a blast from the past.

Users noticed soon after launch that a purple haze was creeping into the edges of their snapshots. It is not uncommon for Apple to ignore potential issues until things get out of hand. This time, the company preemptively posted a bulletin on its website explaining the issue. It boils down to two main points: this is a common occurrence in mobile phones, and you’re probably holding it wrong. Sound familiar at all?

According to Apple, the very thin image sensors used in phones are especially prone to generating lens flare. This usually happens when a bright light source is just out of frame at an angle that allows it to reflect off the surfaces inside the camera. Apple’s suggestion is that you should change the angle at which you’re holding the phone to reduce the effect. Alternatively, you can use your hand like a lens hood to shield the sensor from stray light.

Apple contends this is a common issue in mobile phones, and indeed I have noticed lens flare on several Android devices. PC Mag’s testing has revealed that various phones do suffer from this problem, but the iPhone 5 lens flare tends to be a little more noticeable due to the purple hue. For example, the iPhone 4S could give you some glare in images, but it’s not as prominent.

iPhone 5 purple lens flare (left) vs. the iPhone 4S

The purple coloration of the lens flare in the iPhone 5 is probably what has made everyone sit up and take notice of this common photographic nuisance. Apple has not provided enough detail for anyone to know why it’s more noticeable on this device, but there are two possible culprits. The sapphire coating on the lens that is supposed to prevent scratches could be introducing the colored haze, but it might also be due to a change in IR filter technology.

Just like the “antennagate” scandal following the release of the iPhone 4 a few years ago, this is an example of a common problem with phones taking center stage because it is evident in Apple’s new baby. Unlike the myriad of Android handsets, there is one basic design for the iPhone every year. So many people buy this device that a small percentage of users complaining about a foible can sound like an army.

Apple always takes great care to explain just how meticulously it has designed the new phone. Tim Cook likes to throw around inspiring words while Jony Ive talks about the artistic merits of the phone. They tell us the iPhone is perfect, but users scrutinize every detail and eventually find faults. In most situations the iPhone 5 seems to take best-in-class pictures. If you plan to take a lot of outdoor shots maybe the iPhone 5 isn’t the best smartphone camera for you — unless you can hold it right.

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